Natural defenders
Lately I have been hearing of people taking antibiotics for colds and flus when I think we all know now that bacteria respond to antibiotics whereas viruses do not. Also people seem to think taking antibiotics for a minor bacterial infection makes no real difference. This is of particular concern when I think of the very real issue of antibiotic resistance. I am of the belief that antibiotics should be saved for when we REALLY need them. There are many times in recent years I have heard of distressing stories when people I know haven’t responded to antibiotics when they’ve had a severe infection.
But what alternatives are there?
Honey. Regular unpasturised honey may be the answer in some cases. Manuka with high UMF has been studied and found to aid infections healing in a medical setting in external wounds. Honey is also known to have antimicrobial benefits when taken internally too (and kept raw at under 46 degrees).
Some herbs are also foods many of us eat or drink regularly like garlic, thyme, oregano, green tea, rosemary, sage, ginger, peppermint and fennel. Eating these as part of our usual diet and making herbal teas and preparations from them may act as a preventative against sickness.
Other herbs make delicious easy teas and preparations we may enjoy like elderberry (antiviral), yarrow (antimicrobial), golden rod (anticattarrhal) and elecampane (antibacterial). All are easily found growing wild or in our gardens when in season.
Apple cider vinegar is a go to for me when I have a sore throat. I add 1 Tablespoon to warm boiled water, along with a little honey and gargle several times a day.
Some herbal tinctures I make for individuals may include herbs like andrographis, echinacea, St John’s Wort or kawakawa, depending on the person’s needs.
A good wholefood diet may be a preventative against disease as it should contain many of our nutrient requirements.
Vitamin C and Zinc, both known to support immune health as a preventative and wellness boosting.
Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea is one natural immune defender I grow in my garden